Two Nigerian military officers have reportedly fled the country after being named among suspects in an alleged plot to overthrow the government and derail the nation’s democracy.

Sources within the military revealed that authorities have intensified a manhunt for the fugitives following the arrest and interrogation of 16 officers earlier in October.

According to information obtained by TheCable, security operatives were directed to apprehend 18 suspects believed to have been involved in the botched coup. However, two of them — Major J.M. Ganaks and Captain G. Binuga — managed to evade arrest and are now believed to be outside Nigeria.

Major Ganaks, with service number N/14363, hails from the Federal Capital Territory and was a member of Regular Course 58 of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA). He was reportedly stationed in Jaji, Kaduna State.

Captain Binuga, identified by service number N/167722, was a member of Regular Course 64 and attached to the Defence Headquarters Special Operations Force (DHQ SOF) in Bida, Niger State. He is said to be from Taraba State.

Military insiders disclosed that several of the detained officers have made “useful statements,” leading to further arrests. The total number of personnel now in custody is believed to exceed 30.

While some suspects have remained silent during interrogation, others are reportedly cooperating with investigators.

Contrary to online speculation, the alleged coup was not scheduled for October 1, as the initial arrests only took place in the first week of the month.

So far, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has not issued an official confirmation of the coup plot. In its only statement on the matter, DHQ described the ongoing investigation as “a routine internal process aimed at maintaining discipline and professionalism within the ranks.” /First reported by The Cable